Boating & VHF Radio Articles
Free, practical guides written for pleasure-craft skippers — VHF radio procedures, the SRC certificate, the Rules of the Road, coastal navigation and charter paperwork. Most guides are available in 11 languages: use the language links under each title. No signup, no paywall.
VHF Certificates & Qualifications
- Short Range Certificate (SRC): Do You Need One? How to Get It Online Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- SRC Exam: Format, Questions & How to Pass
- Private vs State VHF Certificate: Do You Need RYA to Charter? Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Online VHF SRC Course + Skipper Refresher Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
Want the certificate, not just the reading? Our complete online VHF SRC course covers the full syllabus with a built-in VHF/DSC simulator and an online exam — digital certificate typically issued the next day.
Charter Destinations & Paperwork
- Croatia Yacht Charter: Skipper Licence & VHF Requirements Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Greece Yacht Charter: Skipper Licence, Second Crew & VHF Rules Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- How to Prepare for a Sailing Charter: Pre-Charter Checklist Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Polish Yacht Registration: Flag, Documents & VHF Certificate Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
VHF Radio Skills
- How to Speak on a VHF Radio: The Microphone Tip Most Skippers Miss Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- How to Send a MAYDAY Distress Call on VHF — Step by Step Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- What to Do If You Hear a MAYDAY on VHF Radio Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Fixed VHF vs Handheld: Why the Mounted Set Wins Close to Shore Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Why Yacht Skippers Avoid VHF Radio (and Reach for the Phone) Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
Safety at Sea
Navigation & Seamanship
- How to Read Nautical Charts: A Beginner's Guide Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Understanding Tides: A Practical Guide for Sailors Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- Position Fixing & the Running Fix: A Sailor's Guide Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- IALA Buoyage Explained: Cardinal & Lateral Marks Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- How to Anchor a Boat: A Complete Guide for Skippers Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
COLREGs — Rules of the Road
- COLREG Rule 18 Explained: Responsibilities Between Vessels Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- COLREG Rule 23 Explained: Lights for Power-Driven Vessels Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
- COLREG Rule 24 Explained: Towing and Pushing Lights Also in: DE · IT · ES · FR · CZ · PL · HU · SV · PT · IS
Free Video Lessons
Free training tools: practise what the articles teach with the VHF/DSC simulator, the COLREG game, the maneuvering board (CPA/TCPA trainer), the maritime glossary and the daily quiz — all free, no signup.